Press Release

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Expands Medicare Advantage Offerings to 13 New CountiesMost People Purchase Plans during the Annual Election Period

ATLANTA – Oct. 10, 2012 – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) is expanding its Medicare Advantage (MA) offerings to 13 new counties in time for the 2013 Annual Election Period (AEP), which is when people typically buy their Medicare coverage.

“Our focus with this expansion is really about offering people the right plans in the right places,” said Morgan Kendrick, president, BCBSGa.

MA plans incorporate Medicare Parts A (hospital) and B (medical) into one convenient product that may include additional benefits. Part D also can be added for drug coverage (MAPD). Millions of people have chosen these plans, which offer certain preventive health care services at no extra cost to help keep beneficiaries healthy, detect diseases at an early stage and avoid preventable illnesses.

“People who are eligible for Medicare are a very diverse group with very different needs,” said Kendrick. “Some are strong and independent and plan to travel the country or world. Others need a little support getting their health back. Our objective is to offer a variety of plans so everyone reaches their goals, no matter what they are.”

The AEP runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Plans have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2013.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. is a health plan with a Medicare contract.”

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of GeorgiaBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association®. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BCBSGaPR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinInBCBSGa, visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin or check out the Our Health Connects Us campaign site at http://connects.bcbsga.com/.